The Ripple Effect:

IT ISN’T ABOUT YOU, BUT IT STARTS WITH YOU!

By Tom Wilson, Fitness Coach

Prior to takeoff in an airplane, you’re notified that “in the event of a sudden change in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling.” You’re instructed to put your mask on first, then to assist others.

The point is...you have to take care of yourself first in order to be of service to others. I often use this analogy when it comes to our health. We have to take care of ourselves first so that we’re capable of helping others. Not only does this enable us to be prepared to assist others, but it also sets an example for others to follow. Your motivation for health should be focused on providing for others because as we all know “it’s not about you”, but the fact is it starts with you!

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

Here’s how this works. You get yourself in the best shape you possibly can utilizing all the information The Daniel Plan provides. Others around you start to notice. Your kids notice the changes. They see and experience not just the physical, but the emotional changes and how those changes are affecting you in a positive way as a parent. Your kids now talk to their friends and their friends tell their parents about the changes in you as well.

And it’s not just the kids who notice, it’s your family, your friends and your neighbors. The person who cuts your hair will notice and the tellers at the bank will notice. This is positive change that everyone you know not only notices but they want to know how you did it. Now you’ve opened up a door to a great way to “Witness through Fitness” or how our behavior can influence others. You simply take care of your health and you’re already providing for others…and yourself at the same time! The ripple effect has begun.

As Christians, we are to live our lives so that others want the intangibles we have. They want the happiness, the peace and the lack of stress that comes with a relationship with God. They notice everything about you, including your health!

By following The Daniel Plan and taking care of your health, all those around you will notice the physical changes. They notice not only the physical, but also how this new found health is affecting your life in such a positive way. You have this energy about you and you’re smiling more. You’re more personable and not complaining about the little things that used to bother you all the time. People notice the changes and they want to know how you’re doing it. So many have tried and tried again only to fail over and over. They will want to know the key to your success. What diet are you on? What new fitness regime are you following? How are you staying motivated to stay with the program? You may not realize how making these simple adjustments in your health routine can have such a huge impact on not only you, but all those around you. The Bible tells us to live our lives so we teach those around us in a positive way…

“As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching”Titus 2:1

Stay focused on the big picture. Yes, the changes you’re making are definitely having a positive impact on you. But they’re also impacting the broader community and your church, which will, prayerfully at some point, have an even greater impact on the kingdom. The entire kingdom will be prepared for whatever God allows in our lives all because you decided to start taking better care of yourself.

The very first sentence of Pastor Rick’s best-selling book, The Purpose-Driven Life, teaches that it’s not about you. This whole scenario shows how it’s not about you, but it starts with you. Put on your oxygen mask first and prepare yourself to help others!